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What is the biggest mistake that undergraduate accounting majors make in their first two years of college that hurts their chances of landing a Big 4 internship and even a Big 4 job after graduating from college?
I am a current high school senior committed to a large university for Fall 2026. My goal is to land a Big 4 internship by my junior-year summer, so I have a better chance of receiving return offers from companies like PWC and KPMG.
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19 answers
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Amanda’s Answer
Landing a job at a Big 4 firm is becoming more challenging, but don't worry—there are steps you can take to boost your chances. Focus on keeping your GPA high in your early years, as classes will become tougher later on. Companies are starting to recruit earlier, so it's important to attend as many campus events as possible to meet firms and their professionals. With a strong GPA and leadership activities, your challenge will shift from wondering if you'll get a Big 4 internship to deciding which firm you like the most!
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Farhan’s Answer
Keep up your good GPA—it's your foundation for success. Seek out projects where you can show your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. Also, don't overlook the power of your network. Ask family and friends if they know someone who can refer you. You might be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities you discover.
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Patrick’s Answer
Big 4 recruiting can be very competitive. As a baseline I would make sure to focus on your schoolwork, not only to maintain a high GPA, but to also make sure you have a strong foundational understanding of introductory concepts. Accounting courses build on each other and continue to get much more complicated and difficult as you progress through your academic career. Your grades are not necessarily what will set you apart though. I would focus on joining extracurriculars such as clubs, volunteer events, etc. If your university has a large Big 4 recruiting presence I would also make an attempt to get as involved as possible. Go to the events that the Big 4 sponsor on campus, stop by the booths to connect with the professionals and recruiters, and just make an effort to show your face and network. Networking is one of the biggest tools you can have while you are trying to land the job and becomes even more important once you do land that job. Work hard but also remember to have fun while you're doing it, best of luck to you!
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Ivy’s Answer
I really encourage you to spend your first two years in college joining student or campus groups that interest you, rather than focusing only on the big four firms. I work at Deloitte now and got three internships in my junior year, but before that, I didn't do much related to accounting besides my major. I joined clubs for marketing, entrepreneurship, consulting, and even a NASA project to explore my interests. During this time, I made great connections and built skills that helped me get a job at a big four firm. Remember, the stress of finding a job is normal, but college life is a unique experience you only get once. Deloitte offers Discovery internships for freshmen and sophomores to learn about different service lines and get paid! Try different things that interest you early in college, and everything will fall into place if you find something you're good at or passionate about. Enjoy college, be yourself, and shine brightly!
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Jimena’s Answer
One major mistake is not taking your studies seriously, leading to a low GPA. Big 4 companies care that you have the academic and technical knowledge and ability to be able to do your job. They want to see that you're well rounded and can handle multiple things at once. So, not joining any clubs or participating in activities outside of school may be something that affects your chances.
Something that could help you is to get connected with programs available at your school. Most Big 4 firms offer programs for freshman or sophomores in college that give them an introduction to their firm or accounting. This could help you meet professionals at those firms, increasing your chances of gaining an internship. Not only that but, those individuals can help guide you in determining what it is that you want for your career and can become a mentor.
Something that could help you is to get connected with programs available at your school. Most Big 4 firms offer programs for freshman or sophomores in college that give them an introduction to their firm or accounting. This could help you meet professionals at those firms, increasing your chances of gaining an internship. Not only that but, those individuals can help guide you in determining what it is that you want for your career and can become a mentor.
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Michael’s Answer
In my experience of interviewing candidates over the years, the two most common mistakes that students make are 1.) letting GPA get too low and 2.) not being active or involved in extracurricular/campus activities. With respect to the GPA, while it's not necessarily a deal breaker, the Big4 do have standards they would like to see in terms of GPA, however I've seen many times where candidates were turned down for an internship for low GPA but got a full time offer a year or two later after focused improvement in this area. With respect to "resume building activities", getting involved with business clubs and/or campus activities (whatever it may be) is important to show building of personal skills but also that the candidate likes to be involved and is driven in dedicating their time to multiple areas. This is an important characteristic of Big 4 Accounting career. Best of luck.
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Jennifer’s Answer
The best thing that I did to get into the Big 4 was looking into leadership conferences after my sophomore year of college (to attend over that summer). All the Big 4 and larger accounting firms host these 2-3 day conferences for college sophomores or freshman where you go to their office or training facility and get to learn about the company, etc. There is usually an interview process to get accepted to these which is somewhat similar to the recruiting process for an internship. You can get an internship offer out of these as well which is very helpful going into your junior year of college. I would also get involved in different groups on campus that interact with the Big 4 and they usually bring in recruiters or professionals to campus and that will get you facetime with the firms.
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Danny’s Answer
Start preparing early in your undergraduate accounting program to land a Big 4 internship by your junior-year summer. Focus on your studies, learn about the CPA path, build connections, and gain practical skills. While good grades are important, they aren't everything. Companies also value professionalism, involvement, curiosity, and adaptability, especially with new technologies like AI. Getting involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles, entering case competitions, or gaining part-time experience can help you stand out and provide great stories for interviews. Don't wait to start; build momentum from the beginning to boost your chances of success.
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Michelle’s Answer
I work at PwC in midtown Manhattan. I got the start internship and then the assurance start internship, probably because of my GPA and applying really early! Since you're a high school senior, you have the chance to get ahead by applying for internships for your freshman or sophomore summer. You earn the most money in the winter because of overtime pay, and you gain the best experience since that's when the real work happens. You'll learn all about the audit and busy season, which is the best time to learn. Summer is more relaxed, perfect for networking and bonding. Apply to internships as soon as possible! Also, try to stand out by joining clubs in high school and college or having side jobs in tax or bookkeeping/office work. Good luck!
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Alexis’s Answer
To build off Janay's answer, grades do matter. Many Big 4 accounting firms have a GPA minimum requirement to get in the door and have your resume looked at.
Once you have your grades in order, then try to get involved in other groups you are interested in on campus - whatever that may be. Many schools have accounting clubs, which would be a great opportunity to meet with others who are planning to enter the field. Plus make sure to attend your schools "Meet the Firms" every year, even your freshman year. This is a great opportunity to talk to recruiters and employees from many firms, including the Big 4, to get a feel for which firm would be a good fit for you. Some of the companies even offer summer leadership programs or one day events for students in freshman or sophomore year. These allow you to get your foot in the door and build your resume further.
Overall, have fun and be yourself! The rest will figure itself out.
Once you have your grades in order, then try to get involved in other groups you are interested in on campus - whatever that may be. Many schools have accounting clubs, which would be a great opportunity to meet with others who are planning to enter the field. Plus make sure to attend your schools "Meet the Firms" every year, even your freshman year. This is a great opportunity to talk to recruiters and employees from many firms, including the Big 4, to get a feel for which firm would be a good fit for you. Some of the companies even offer summer leadership programs or one day events for students in freshman or sophomore year. These allow you to get your foot in the door and build your resume further.
Overall, have fun and be yourself! The rest will figure itself out.
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Michael’s Answer
During your early years of college, I would focus on getting good grades and joining business school clubs and groups. The connections you make in college are just as important as your grades! I would also attend recruiting events by these firms that show up to campus and make connections with the recruiters! They will remember you when it is time to apply and interview for these internships!
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Kristine’s Answer
Get involved in student organizations or academic fraternities (Beta Alpha Psi, for instance). Attend career fairs, get to know the recruiters and talk about something memorable/make a joke (appropriate, of course!), so that when you send a follow up 'thank you' email, they remember who you are. Offer your help to the recruiters with on-campus events and programs, show up to as many as you can. Talk to the Big 4 professionals who attend the on-campus event (I am still friends with one of the Partners I met back in 2009 when I was a sophomore during a recruiting event on campus).
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Daniel’s Answer
Hi Alexandra,
I agree with all of the other pieces of advice!
Another great resource is going to be your accounting / finance professors! Most professors have spent time in the industry and will likely know someone in BIG4 - and maybe someone who can help your resume stand out! Doesnt hurt to ask!
Also - remember to enjoy your time in college - it is an amazing time to safely make mistakes and learn great things about yourself.
It will be over before you know it :) So take care of yourself (mentally and physically).
I agree with all of the other pieces of advice!
Another great resource is going to be your accounting / finance professors! Most professors have spent time in the industry and will likely know someone in BIG4 - and maybe someone who can help your resume stand out! Doesnt hurt to ask!
Also - remember to enjoy your time in college - it is an amazing time to safely make mistakes and learn great things about yourself.
It will be over before you know it :) So take care of yourself (mentally and physically).
Updated
Jimena’s Answer
The biggest mistake is not taking your studies seriously and having a low GPA. Most Big 4 companies care that you have the academic/technical knowledge and ability to be able to do your job. Not only that but, they want to see that you're well rounded and can handle multiple things at once. So, not joining any clubs or doing other activities outside of school may also be something that affects your chances.
On another note, something that could help you is to get connected with any programs available at your school. Most Big 4 firms have programs for freshman or sophomores in college that give them an introduction to their firm or accounting. This could help you get connected with the professionals at those firms and those connections can help your chances of gaining an internship. Not only that but, those individuals can help guide you in determining what it is that you want for your career and can become mentors.
On another note, something that could help you is to get connected with any programs available at your school. Most Big 4 firms have programs for freshman or sophomores in college that give them an introduction to their firm or accounting. This could help you get connected with the professionals at those firms and those connections can help your chances of gaining an internship. Not only that but, those individuals can help guide you in determining what it is that you want for your career and can become mentors.
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Janay’s Answer
When I was going to college, the best advice I got was your first year GPA is the most important. While you should enjoy a social life, your freshman year GPA is your starting point. Starting off with a high GPA is worth it because raising your GPA doesn't happen overnight. I knew a lot of people trying to work twice as hard during junior year to make up for their freshman year grades. Now if grades aren't a worry, I would join an accounting organization if your school has any. The Big 4 usually will recruit through those organizations and you can start building relationships with the recruiters early so come junior year you can interview and get an offer. The Big 4 also have some multi-year internship programs you may qualify for.
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Yusuf’s Answer
Hey Alexandra,
I would say your first two years of college really set your baseline for your GPA, so its important to really nail your grades while you take your entry level classes. As this will help keep your GPA high as you get into your higher level courses in the later years. Also try to find opportunities to learn new skills and put yourself in positions to learn leadership skills. Join your schools business clubs and take advantage of networking opportunities.
Finally just remember to have fun, you'll only go through college once, make and cherish those memories. Build relationships that will last a lifetime with your fellow students and professors, you never know, those can lead to opportunities down the future.
I would say your first two years of college really set your baseline for your GPA, so its important to really nail your grades while you take your entry level classes. As this will help keep your GPA high as you get into your higher level courses in the later years. Also try to find opportunities to learn new skills and put yourself in positions to learn leadership skills. Join your schools business clubs and take advantage of networking opportunities.
Finally just remember to have fun, you'll only go through college once, make and cherish those memories. Build relationships that will last a lifetime with your fellow students and professors, you never know, those can lead to opportunities down the future.
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David’s Answer
Maintain a high GPA, but don't count on it alone to open doors. Go to "Meet-the-firm" events to network. Ask your professors if they know anyone at a Big 4 firm; this can be very helpful. Pay attention to application deadlines, as recruiting often starts months before the internship begins. For example, I interviewed for a summer 2024 internship in the fall of 2023. Sometimes, this can be more than a year ahead. Good luck!
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Alia’s Answer
If you're dreaming of joining a big 4 firm, it's all about making connections. As someone who used to recruit for Deloitte, I noticed that students who started building relationships with us early really stood out. Go to events, meet lots of professionals, and ask plenty of questions! Keep your grades up, too. We're always on the lookout for dedicated students we can trust with our clients. The better we know you, the better we can see if you're a great match for our team.
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Monica’s Answer
It's wonderful that you're interested in working at a Big 4 firm! As a Deloitte campus recruiter, I'm thrilled to hear about your passion for accounting and a career with us. Attending campus events and networking can really make a difference. While we receive many messages on LinkedIn and Handshake, the students who stand out are the ones who attend events, introduce themselves, and ask great questions. Building these connections during your first two years of college can be very beneficial when the recruiting process becomes competitive. A personal connection can really enhance your resume. I hope you start building these connections and attending events soon!